With the series knotted up at one game apiece, the Golden State Warriors are about to defend their home court. So far, this is shaping up to be the roughest, most physical series in these NBA playoffs. The Houston Rockets bounced back after dropping Game 1 by taking Game 2 in an intense, heated tilt Wednesday night. Bodies hit the floor on both the Rockets and Warriors sides, and Jimmy Butler hit the hardest, resulting in an injury that knocked him out of the first half and beyond. What works in Golden State’s favor is that they have two full days off before their next game. Unfortunately, it might not be enough time for Butler to recover fast enough, making Saturday night’s prime-time game clouded with uncertainty.
Warriors Projected to be Short Jimmy Butler in Game 3
Jimmy Butler avoids major injury; Warriors likely to play Game 3 in Golden State without him
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Butler was diagnosed with a deep glute muscle contusion after having an MRI done on Thursday. Charania reports that the MRI resulted in no serious structural damage—that’s the good news. The bad news is Butler’s status for Game 3 is in serious question, per Shams.
Leaving Houston with a split rather than being down two games was the best-case scenario, considering Butler’s injury development and diagnosis. In a perfect world, Golden State does not want to drop Game 3 on their home court. However, because of the split in Houston, if they lose on Saturday, the series is 1-2 instead of 0-3. Being down 1-2 with a hopefully returning Butler isn’t something the Warriors can’t overcome. Of course, if Butler is forced to miss the next two games, it gets really dicey from there.
The way Houston plays—they’re physical, body to body, in your face style—the Warriors would be undersized and matched if Butler can’t return by Game 4. Butler’s presence is non-negotiable for Golden State to come out of this series with four wins.
Game 3 outlook without playoff Jimmy
The only chance the Warriors have of winning Game 3 if Butler can’t go is if Steph Curry goes completely off. Golden State doesn’t have anyone else they can rely on offensively the way they can Curry. Draymond Green‘s single-single performances don’t help much, and putting the game in the hands of Buddy Hield or Brandin Podziemski isn’t likely part of Steve Kerr’s preferred game plan. Jonathan Kuminga will likely draw into the lineup in place of Butler, as he did in Game 2. But considering what Kuminga provided in his 26 minutes, Kerr can’t rely on him either.
It will be a tough test, but again, if the Warriors drop another game, it will result in a series at 1-2 instead of 0-3. Getting that first win on the road is now more important than ever. Hopefully, Butler’s recovery process goes smoothly. Suffering no structural damage is massive, but that doesn’t mean there’s no pain or discomfort. When Butler does return, he’ll likely be playing with some pain, no question.
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